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Director discretion and insider trading profitability

Author

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  • Foley, Sean
  • Kwan, Amy
  • McInish, Thomas H.
  • Philip, Richard

Abstract

Using a machine-learning algorithm, we classify over 60,000 director transactions into discretionary and non-discretionary purchases and sales based on the trading motive provided by the insider. We find that discretionary trades by company insiders are more informed than non-discretionary trades. Further, discretionary purchases generate higher abnormal returns (1) for larger purchases, or when the purchase is for (2) the stock of a smaller firm, or (3) a firm with greater information asymmetry.

Suggested Citation

  • Foley, Sean & Kwan, Amy & McInish, Thomas H. & Philip, Richard, 2016. "Director discretion and insider trading profitability," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 39(C), pages 28-43.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pacfin:v:39:y:2016:i:c:p:28-43
    DOI: 10.1016/j.pacfin.2016.05.005
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    Cited by:

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    2. Stanislas Nivelleau de La Brunière & Jean-Come Haye & Paolo Mazza, 2020. "The performance of corporate legal insiders on the French stock market," Post-Print hal-02998232, HAL.
    3. Chen, Yanyan & Tian, Gary Gang & Yao, Daifei Troy, 2019. "Does regulating executive compensation impact insider trading?," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 56(C), pages 1-20.
    4. Mazza, Paolo & Wang, Shiyu, 2021. "Corporate legal insider trading in China: Performance and determinants," International Review of Law and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
    5. Liu, Hui & Chang, Yufan & Zuo, Man, 2023. "Key audit matters and insider trading profitability: Evidence from China," Journal of Contemporary Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 19(3).

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    Insider trading; Director discretion;

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